Abstract: A vacuum circuit interrupter with primary cup shaped arcing contacts with integral means for arc movement. An auxiliary, generally cylindrical arc contact is spaced about the primary contacts by a dimension less than the spacing between the opened primary contacts. The auxiliary contact includes means for moving the auxiliary path arcs which are formed between the auxiliary contact and the primary contacts with extinguishment of the arc between the primary contacts.

Abstract: An electromagnetic propulsion power supply system utilizing mutual induction coils as transformers to provide high currents to the projectile rail conductors.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique for interrupting current employing a plurality of series connected vacuum arcs in parallel with a resonating circuit. At least one of the series vacuum arcs is subjected to an oscillating transverse magnetic field which produces modulations in the arc voltage. The arc voltage modulations initiate oscillations in the parallel resonating circuit, producing current modulations in the series connected vacuum arcs. The current modulations rapidly extinguish the arcs, interrupting the current. Use of a plurality of series connected vacuum arcs improves the recovery voltage hold-off potential of the circuit.

Abstract: An improved vacuum-type circuit interrupter has arc contacts which have integral axial magnetic field generating means as part of the arc contact. The axial field generating means comprises a plurality of partial coil turn portions which form an effective single turn coil disposed between a supporting plate and an arcing contact portion. The coil turns are electrically in series between the conductive support rod lead-in and the arcing contact perimeter portion. The supporting plate and a plurality of support pins, each of which are of high strength, low conductivity material support the partial coil turn portions and the arc contact without diverting substantial current from the coil turn portions. The axial magnetic field generating means may be structurally a part of both contacts or only one of the contacts.

Abstract: A vacuum arc current interruption device is installed in a current limiting circuit which includes a parallel resonant circuit. Means are provided for producing transverse lines of magnetic force in the arc gap between the electrodes in the vacuum enclosure. The energizing circuit for the magnetic field coils includes a capacitor bank employing unpolarized capacitors and a switch. After the capacitor bank is charged up, the switch is closed, discharging the capacitors through the field coils and producing lines of magnetic force in the arc gap. The field coils and capacitor bank together form a resonant field circuit having a characteristic resonant frequency which causes periodic reversals in the polarity of the lines of magnetic force. The oscillating magnetic field produces responsive oscillations in the arc voltage of an arc present in the arc gap of the vacuum device, which in turn causes oscillations of the arc current.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit interrupter contact being generally cup-shaped with a radially inward extending lip with slots formed through the lip and side wall for directing current flow and including a flat annular contact cap attached directly to the lip portion. The annular contact cap extends from the side walls radially inward to a position inside of the lip-shaped portion. At the inner diameter of the annular contact cap an arcing ring is formed which extends downward along the inner diameter of the lip portion. The annular contact cap can be formed from a material having good arc interrupting properties, such as chromium copper, while the rest of the contact can be formed from a material which is easy to fabricate and has good electrical conductivity properties, such as copper. In another embodiment of the invention, the lip portion and the annular contact cap are formed as one member but any slots formed in the lip-shaped portion do not extend to the contact making surface.

Abstract: A vacuum type circuit interrupter is provided with contacts which include an integral axial magnetic field generating means. In one embodiment, a disc-like contacting portion is supported from the contact base, with a pair of half-turn conductive coil pieces extending between the base and the disc-like contacting portion. In another embodiment, the contacts have a cup-shaped base portion with a radially inwardly directed lip portion at the end of the cup-shaped portion to serve as the normal current carrying contact when the contacts are closed. The lip portions of these cup-shaped contacts are parted when the contacts are moved to the open position and the initial arc travels in a circular path around the annular lip. An auxiliary recessed disc-like contact portion is provided within the space defined by the cup-shaped base contact portion.

Abstract: A pair of pancake-like coils have a coil axis substantially colinear with one coil mounted to a framework and the other coil mounted on a movable member. The coils are wound such that when electrically energized simultaneously the resulting magnetic fields are in opposition, thereby producing a repelling force therebetween. A spring is disposed between the framework and the movable member to urge the movable member in a sense opposite to the repelling force. A power supply is connected to the coil pair providing for a high initial energy transfer and a lower sustaining energy transfer. A shock absorber is mounted on the framework to arrest the moving member which is set in motion by the repelling force. An armature is attached to the moving member which enters the field of a holding coil as the moving member is displaced by the repelling force. When the holding coil is energized with the armature situated therein, the moving member is held against the spring force.